RUB YOUR LAMP

Notes:An Aladdin who is both black and female is a switch from the usual, but Porter still brings in the Bombay connection from the old Orientalism.

Lyrics:

If about Harlem some night you’re gaddin’,
Pay a short call on the Princess Aladdin,
All dolled up like Scheherezahde,
She tells fortunes for ev’rybody,
People all say she’s a mah’rajah’s ranee,
Came from Bombay by way of the Swanee,
And if you slip her a buck or two,
The Princess Aladdin whispers to you.

CHORUS:
Rub your lamp, if you want health,
Rub your lamp, if you want health,
Rub your lamp, if you want health,
Your vigor will be bigger, if you rub your lamp.
Rub your lamp, if you want wealth,
Rub your lamp, if you want wealth,
Rub your lamp, if you want wealth,
In ermine you’ll be squirmin’ if you rub your lamp.
Rub your lamp, if you want love,
Rub your lamp, if you want love,
Rub your lamp, if you want love,
On neckin’ you can reckon, if you rub your lamp.
Yes, rub your lamp, If you want health,
Rub your lamp, If you want wealth,
And if you’re daft and gettin’ dafter,
‘Bout someone you’re runnin’ after,
If you want a life of love and laughter,
Rub, rub, rub, rub, rub your lamp.